Trust in Social Media Health Sources in Mureș County, Romania

Iuliu Moldovan; Daniela Edith Ceana; Hajnal Finta; Paula Bolos

doi:10.2478/amma-2025-0057

Iuliu Moldovan Universității de Medicină, Farmacie, Științe și Tehnologie „George Emil Palade” din Târgu Mureș
Daniela Edith Ceana UMFST Targu Mures
Hajnal Finta UMFST Targu Mures
Paula Bolos UMFST Targu Mures

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2025-0057

Keywords: Keywords: social media, health information, trust, priests, Romania, public health

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates trust in health-related content sources on social media among Mureș County, Romania residents. Methods: An online survey was administered using a 23-item questionnaire to assess demographics, frequency of social media usage, and trust in health information sources. Results: Of the 419 respondents, priests emerged as the most trusted source of medical information, followed by doctors. Trust in priests was significantly higher among individuals with lower education levels and those who used social media frequently but for short durations. Correlation analysis indicated a weak positive relationship between social media usage and trust in information. Conclusions: The findings highlight the unexpectedly high relevance of clergy in Romanian communities within such a specialized field, emphasizing the importance of involving trusted local figures in health communication strategies.

Keywords: social media, health information, trust, priests, Romania, public health